Nigeria, India deepen customs cooperation ties
The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Indian Customs Administration to improve trade facilitation and customs operations.
This development follows discussions held during the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation Policy Commission in Brussels, Belgium, according to a statement on Tuesday by NCS.
Nigeria’s delegation, led by comptroller-general Adewale Adeniyi, met with Surjit Bhujbal of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
It noted that the meeting reviewed progress under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement signed by both countries on November 16, 2024.
It stated that the talks focused on customs valuation, transfer pricing, and aligning customs and tax systems, as outlined in the bilateral CMAA framework.
NCS stated that both parties also addressed concerns over trade in substandard pharmaceuticals, citing successful seizures in Nigeria through improved intelligence sharing.
Mr Adeniyi explained that the discussions build on the strong foundation laid during the CMAA signing in November 2024.
“We are scaling up efforts against undervaluation transfer pricing abuse and are working to integrate customs and tax systems,” the comptroller-general said.
He added that joint operations against substandard pharmaceutical imports were already delivering measurable results and safeguarding public health.
Mr Adeniyi also reiterated Nigeria’s interest in joint technical missions, shared data systems, and capacity-building initiatives with India. He expressed optimism that such collaboration would boost risk management, ensure revenue protection, and tighten trade compliance controls.
“This partnership reflects our drive for a smarter, collaborative, and globally linked customs service,” he added.
The CMAA was signed during the Indian prime minister’s 2024 visit to Nigeria, a key moment in bilateral customs cooperation.
The WCO Policy Commission serves as a vital forum for customs leaders to establish global trade and enforcement policies.
He said Nigeria’s involvement signals its dedication to international best practices and modernising its customs administration.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Diaspora
UK excludes Nigerian-trained teachers from direct QTS application
“From 9 September 2026, teachers who trained to teach in Ghana, India, or Nigeria will no longer be eligible to use the ‘Apply for QTS in England’ service,” the department said.
Education
UniAbuja students advocate skills acquisition alongside academic certificates
Students at the University of Abuja have advocated acquiring practical skills alongside academic qualifications, saying the combination could improve young Nigerians’ employability and promote self-reliance
Politics
Gov Sani approves N3.65 billion for retirees, N21.45 billion paid in three years
Governor Uba Sani has approved ₦3.659 billion to pay pensions, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased public servants across Kaduna.
Anti-Corruption
Gbajabiamila, Ejimakor, Salis, Imasuen, other disgraced fraudulent Nigerian lawyers sanctioned in U.S., UK free to practise in Nigeria: NBA
Disgraced and U.S.-adjudged fraudulent lawyers Femi Gbajabiamila, Owolabi Salis, Aloysius Ejimakor and Neda Imasuen are free to practise in Nigeria, NBA tells Peoples Gazette.
Africa
Guterres demands Africa’s minerals create jobs, backs permanent UN seats
António Guterres has demanded an end to the plundering of Africa’s mineral resources, insisting the continent’s wealth must create jobs and prosperity for Africans.
Economy
Nigeria push for end of exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources at UNGA81
President Bola Tinubu has called for a fresh continental push to end the exploitation of Africa’s critical mineral resources.
